I spent 1 day in Rhodes Greece as part of a cruise stop on the Norwegian Jade (read my full review of a 7 Day Greek Isles Cruise here). Rhodes was one of my favorite stops of the entire cruise. Therefore, I highly recommend you spend as much time off the boat as possible to make the most of this great destination. This unique location has been influenced by Roman, Ottoman, Venetian, and Knights Hospitaller (eventually Knights of Malta) heritages and architecture.
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Is Rhodes walkable?
Yes! Rhodes is a very walkable city. If you are on a cruise, you can walk right off the ship directly into medieval Rhodes, no car or tender required.
Can you explore Rhodes on your own?
Due to the ease of getting around, I do not think you need an excursion or tour guide to explore the city. Instead do it on your own! The only places that would be difficult to reach without a car would be the Acropolis of Rhodes and Lindos. However, you could skip those places if desired and spend your 1 day in Rhodes in the Old Town.
Things to Do with 1 Day in Rhodes
Old Town Medieval Rhodes
This UNESCO World Heritage site is easy to explore on foot. Meander through old town exploring all the passageways and shops you will encounter. Some points of interest include the city gates, the clock tower (you can climb to the top), and the Street of the Knights. After exploring the town, you can find the entrance to the moat around the city walls and explore the open, grassy area for a new perspective on the Rhodes city walls.
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
This medieval, gothic palace is a must-see in Rhodes. You can find the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes along the Street of the Knights in the medieval center of town. Its rooms are filled with sculptures, mosaics, and antiques. You will have to purchase a ticket to tour the palace, but there is no need to buy in advance as lines are reasonable and move quickly.
Explore the Harbor
Another great place to walk around is the harbor. If you are on a cruise ship, this is where your boat is docked. You can enjoy the ocean breeze while viewing the outside of the medieval city walls. Some points of interest include windmills and the spot where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. This enormous statue was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; however, it is no longer standing. You can find the spot it’s believed to have stood flanked by 2 small deer statues in the water.
Acropolis of Rhodes
Time permitting, you could take a trip to the Acropolis of Rhodes. It is about 2 km to the Acropolis from the medieval center of Rhodes and would take approximately 30 minutes to walk each way. Given the heat in Greece, it would be easier to reach this destination with a car. Once here, you can explore the archeological site including the Odeon theater and the Temple of Apollo.
Lindos
If you have more time and transport to leave medieval Rhodes, you can explore the city of Lindos. It will take you about 1 hour driving each way to reach Lindos from Rhodes. Once there, you can enjoy the traditional town filled with iconic white stucco and blue trimmed buildings, great beaches, and the Acropolis of Lindos. If you want to explore this city during your 1 day in Rhodes, then you may wish to book a tour with included transportation.
If you are looking for more things to do in nearby Greek islands, check out my guides on Athens, Kusadasi (Turkey), Santorini, Argostoli, and Corfu. If you are wondering what it’s like to do a cruise through the Greek Isles, read my review of the Norwegian Jade here.